The RX300 thin client will be available to firms from the end of this month.

A thin client is a light-weight PC that is purpose-built for remote entry to a server (usually cloud or desktop virtualization environments). It relies greatly on another computer (its server) to meet its computational functions. This is distinctive from a standard desktop PC (fat client), which is a computer intended to undertake these roles independently. The specific roles assumed by the server can differ, from hosting a shared set of virtualized applications, a shared desktop stack or virtual desktop, to data processing and file storage on the client’s or user’s behalf.

NComputing has released a Windows thin client built around the $35, bank card-size Raspberry Pi 3 Model B.

The RX300 mini computer presents entry to several Windows desktops, like Windows 10, which are streamed from a central machine by NComputing’s vSpace Pro 10 desktop virtualization software.

The software allows firms to supply a centrally manipulated Windows desktop to 100s of RX300 clients.

NComputing promises its vCAST streaming technology makes it possible for full-screen playback of full HD local or web video on the clients, without the demand for the central servers to own a superior quality graphics processing unit. Still, registration to this vCast technology is just incorporated for half a year after buying the RX300.

Every single thin client has 4 USB version 2.0 ports, with full USB redirection and server-end device drivers to grant support for a spread of add-ons.

The $99 RX300, which is aimed towards educational institutions and small middle businesses, can be run as a thin client to access a virtual Windows desktop or as a local Raspberry Pi PC, running the Pi’s official Linux-based Raspbian Operating system.

NComputing says the thin clients are made to be rather simple to configure and receive updates from vSpace Pro 10 servers automatically.

Young Song, NComputing chief executive officer, explained he made a decision to base the client around the Raspberry Pi 3 mainly because of the board’s low cost and transportability.

Each RX300 is provided along with a cost-free 12 months connection license to vSpace Pro 10, with each subsequent year priced at $49 a consumer.